Displaying content in an augmented reality system

ABSTRACT

An example method is performed by a computing system, and includes: obtaining an image of an object captured by a device during relative motion between the object and the device; determining a location of the device relative to the object during image capture based on one or more attributes of the object in the image; mapping a three-dimensional (3D) graphical model representing the object to the object in the image based, at least in part, on the location of the device, where the 3D graphical model includes information about the object; receiving a selection of a part of the object; and outputting, for rendering on a user interface, at least some information from the 3D graphical model based on the part selected.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/508,948 filed on May 19, 2017 and entitled “Displaying Content In An Augmented Reality System”, and of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/509,359 filed on May 22, 2017 and entitled “Displaying Content In An Augmented Reality System”. U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/508,948 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/509,359 are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This specification relates generally to displaying content in an augmented reality system.

BACKGROUND

Augmented reality (AR) content is produced by superimposing computer-generated content onto depictions of real-world content, such as images or video. The computer-generated content may include graphics, text, or animation, for example.

SUMMARY

Example processes include obtaining an image of an object captured by a device during relative motion between the object and the device; determining a location of the device relative to the object during image capture based on one or more attributes of the object in the image; mapping a three-dimensional (3D) graphical model representing the object to the object in the image based, at least in part, on the location of the device, where the 3D graphical model includes information about the object; receiving a selection of a part of the object; and outputting, for rendering on a user interface, at least some information from the 3D graphical model based on the part selected. The example processes may include one or more of the following features, either alone or in combination.

In an example, receiving the selection includes receiving a selection of a point on the image, where the point corresponds to the part as displayed in the image. In an example, receiving the selection includes displaying, along with the image, a menu including the part; and receiving the selection based on selection of the part in the menu. In an example, receiving the selection includes displaying, along with the image, computer graphics showing the part; and receiving the selection based on a selection of the computer graphics.

Determining the location of the device relative to the object may include obtaining a first size of the object shown in the image, with the first size being among the one or more attributes; obtaining a second size of the object from the 3D graphical model; and comparing the first size to the second size to determine a distance between the device and the object. The distance is part of the location.

Determining the location of the device relative to the object may include identifying a feature of the object shown in the image, with the feature being among the one or more attributes; and determining an orientation of the object relative to the device based on the feature and based on the information about the object in the 3D graphical model. The orientation is part of the location.

Determining the location of the device relative to the object may include accounting for a difference between a position of a camera on the device used to capture the image and a predefined reference point on the device.

Determining the location of the device relative to the object may include updating the location of the device as relative positions between the object and the device change. Mapping the 3D graphical model to the object in the image may be performed for updated locations of the device. Mapping the 3D graphical model to the object in the image may include associating parts of the 3D graphical model to corresponding parts of the object shown in the image. A remainder of the 3D graphical model representing parts of the object not shown in the image may be positioned relative to the parts of the 3D graphical model overlaid on the parts of the object shown in the image.

The example processes may also include identifying the at least some information based on the part selected, where the at least some information includes information about the part. The at least some information may include information about parts internal the object relative to the part selected.

Receiving the selection may include receiving a selection of a point on the image, where the point corresponds to the part as displayed in the image; and mapping the selected point to the 3D graphical model. Mapping the selected point may include determining a relative position of the device and the object; tracing a ray through the 3D graphical model based on a mapping of the 3D graphical model to the image; and identifying an intersection between the ray and the part. The example method may include obtaining at least some information about one or more parts of the object that intersect the ray. At least some information may include data representing the one or more parts graphically, where the data enables rendering of the one or more parts relative to the object. The at least some information may include data representing one or more parameters relating to the one or more parts, where the data enables rendering of the one or more parameters relative to the object.

The example processes may also include identifying, based on the selection, the part based on one or more attributes of a pixel in the image that corresponds to the selection. The information about the object in the 3D graphical model may include information about parts of the object. The information about the parts may indicate which of the parts are selectable and may indicate which of the parts are selectable individually or as a group.

The example process may also include enabling configuration, through a user interface, of the information about the parts indicating which of the parts are selectable and indicating which of the parts are selectable individually or as a group. The example process may also include drawing, based on the selection, a color graphic version of the part into a buffer; and using the color graphic version in the buffer to identify the part.

At least some of the information rendered from the graphical 3D model may be computer graphics that is at least partially transparent, and that at least partly overlays the image. At least some of the information rendered from the graphical 3D model may be computer graphics that is opaque, and that at least partly overlays the image. At least some of the information rendered from the graphical 3D model may be computer graphics that is in outline form, and that at least partly overlays the image.

Any two or more of the features described in this specification, including in this summary section, may be combined to form implementations not specifically described in this specification.

All or part of the processes, methods, systems, and techniques described herein may be implemented as a computer program product that includes instructions that are stored on one or more non-transitory machine-readable storage media, and that are executable on one or more processing devices. Examples of non-transitory machine-readable storage media include, e.g., read-only memory, an optical disk drive, memory disk drive, random access memory, and the like. All or part of the processes, methods, systems, and techniques described herein may be implemented as an apparatus, method, or system that includes one or more processing devices and memory storing instructions that are executable by the one or more processing devices to perform the stated operations.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an diagram of a display screen showing example AR content.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example process for generating AR content.

FIG. 3 is an diagram of a display screen showing example AR content.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a representation of an object produced using three-dimensional (3D) graphic data next to an image of the object.

FIG. 5, comprised of FIGS. 5A and 5B, shows, conceptually, a ray that is projected to, and through, an image of an object and that also impacts a digital twin for the object.

FIG. 6, comprised of FIGS. 6A and 6B, shows, conceptually, a ray projected to, and through, an image of an object, and AR content generated based on that ray.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example computer/network architecture on which the AR system described herein may be implemented.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example process for generating AR content. Like reference numerals in different figures indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are example implementations of an augmented reality (AR) system. In some examples, AR content is generated by superimposing computer-generated content onto actual graphics, such as an image or video of a real-life object. Any appropriate computer-generated content may be used including, but not limited to, computer graphics, computer animation, and computer-generated text.

Referring to FIG. 1, example AR content 100 is shown on the display of tablet computing device 101. In this example, AR content 100 includes an image of a loader 102 and computer graphics 103 that are rendered at an appropriate location over the image of the loader. The image was captured by a camera or other appropriate image capture device. The computer graphics were generated by a computing device, such as a remote server or the tablet computing device, based on information about the object displayed (the loader). As described herein, the computer graphics may relate to the object in some way. For example, in FIG. 1, computer graphics 103 highlight a part of the loader, namely its arm.

The example AR system described herein is configured to identify an object in an image captured by an image capture device, and to map a three-dimensional (3D) graphical model to the image of the object. In an example, the 3D graphical model contains information about the object, such as the object's structure, current or past status, and operational capabilities. The mapping of the 3D graphical model to the image associates this information from the 3D graphical model with the image. As a result of this mapping, a point on the image may be selected, and information from the 3D graphical model relating to that point may be retrieved and used to display computer-generated content on the image. In an example, a computer graphics rendering of a selected object part may be displayed, as is the case with the arm of FIG. 1. In another example, text associated with the selected part may be displayed. In the example AR system, the 3D graphical model is controlled to track relative movement of the image capture device and the object. That is, the image capture device may move relative to the object, or vice versa. During that movement, the 3D graphical model is also controlled to track the relative movement of the object even as the perspective of the object in the image changes vis-à-vis the image capture device. As a result, the example AR system enables interaction with the object in real-time and from any appropriate orientation.

In the AR system, each instance of an object, such as loader 102, has a digital twin (DT), which is described below. An instance of an object (or object instance) includes a unique specimen of an object that is differentiated from other specimens of the object. For example, a loader may have a vehicle identification (ID) number that distinguishes it from all other loaders, including those that are the same make and model. Different types of information may be used to identify the instance of an object, as described herein. A DT is specific to an object instance and, as such, includes information identifying the object instance. In some implementations, there may be a single DT for each corresponding object instance. As used herein, an object is not limited to an individual article, but rather may include, e.g., any appropriate apparatus, system, software, structure, entity, or combination of one or more of these, that can be modeled using one or more DTs.

In this regard, a DT is an example of a type of 3D graphical model that is usable with the AR system; however, other appropriate models may also be usable. An example DT includes a computer-generated representation of an object comprised of information that models the object (referred to as the physical twin, or PT) or portions thereof. The DT includes data for a 3D graphical model of the object and associates information about the object to information representing the object in the 3D graphical model. For example, the DT may include, but is not limited to, data representing the structure of the object or its parts, the operational capabilities of the object or its parts, and the state(s) of the object or its parts. In some implementations, a DT may be comprised of multiple DTs. For example, there may be separate DT for each part of an object. In some examples, a part of an object may include any appropriate component, element, portion, section, or other constituent of an object, or combination thereof.

A DT may be generated based on design data, manufacturing data, and/or any other appropriate information (e.g., product specifications) about the object. This information may be generic to all such objects. In the loader example of FIG. 1, the DT may be generated using data that describes the structure and operational capabilities of the type (e.g., make and model) of the loader shown. This data may be obtained from any appropriate public or private database(s), assuming permissions have been granted. For example, the DT may be generated using information obtained from, and/or are managed by, systems such as, but not limited to, PLM (product lifecycle management) systems, CAD (computer-aided design) systems, SLM (service level management) systems, ALM (application lifecycle management) systems, CPM (connected product management) systems, ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems, CRM (customer relationship management) systems, and/or EAM (enterprise asset management) systems. The information can cover a range of characteristics stored, e.g., in a bill of material (BOM) associated with the object (e.g., an EBOM—engineering BOM, an MBOM—manufacturing BOM, or an SBOM—service BOM), the object's service data and manuals, the object's behavior under various conditions, the object's relationship to other object(s) and artifacts connected to the object, and software that manages, monitors, and/or calculates the object's conditions and operations in different operating environments.

The DT may also be generated based on sensor data that is obtained for the particular instance of the object. For example, the sensor data may be obtained from readings taken from sensors placed on, or near, the actual instance of the object (e.g., loader 102). In this example, since that sensor data is unique to loader 102, the DT for loader 102 will be unique relative to DTs for other loaders, including those that are identical in structure and function to loader 102. The DT may also include other information that is unique to the object, such as the object's repair history, its operational history, damage to the object, and so forth.

The DT for an object instance may have numerous uses including, but not limited to, generating AR content for display. For example, the example AR system described herein may superimpose computer-generated content that is based on, or represents, the DT or portions thereof onto an image of an object instance. Example processes performed by the AR system identify an instance of the object, generate AR content for the object using the DT for that object, and use that AR content in various ways to enable access to information about the object.

An example process 200 that uses the DT to augment actual graphics, such as images or video, is shown in FIG. 2. Example process 200 may be performed by the AR system described herein using any appropriate hardware.

According to process 200, an image of an object is captured (201) by an image capture device—a camera in this example—during relative motion between the device and the object. As noted, the object may be any appropriate apparatus, system, structure, entity, or combination of one or more of these that can be captured in an image. An example of an object is loader 102 of FIG. 1. The camera that captures the image may be a still camera or a video camera. The camera may be part of a mobile computing device, such as a tablet computer or a smartphone.

In some implementations, the relative motion between the camera and the object includes the object remaining stationary while the camera moves. In some implementations, the relative motion between the camera and the object includes the object moving while the camera remains stationary. In some implementations, the relative motion between the camera and the object includes both the object and the camera moving. In any case, the relative motion is evident by the object occupying, in different images, different locations in the image frame. Multiple images may be captured during the relative motion and, as described below, a DT may be mapped to (e.g., associated with) the object in each image. As described below, in some implementations, the DT may track motion of the object in real-time, thereby allowing for interaction with the object via an image from different perspectives and in real-time. In this regard, in some implementations, real-time may not mean that two actions are simultaneous, but rather may include actions that occur on a continuous basis or track each other in time, taking into account delays associated with processing, data transmission, hardware, and the like.

In an example, tablet computer 101 may be used to capture the image of loader 102 at a first time, T₁. For example, the image may be part of a video stream comprised of frames of images that are captured by walking around the loader. In another example, the image may be part of a video stream comprised of frames of images that are captured while the camera is stationary but the loader moves. Referring also to FIG. 3, in this example, the tablet computer 101 may be used to capture a different image of loader 102 at a second, different time, T₂. As is clear from FIGS. 1 and 3, the two images were taken from different perspectives.

Referring back to FIG. 2, process 200 identifies the object instance in the captured image and retrieves (202) a DT for the object instance—in the example of FIG. 1, loader 102. In this regard, any appropriate identifying information may be used to identify the object instance. The identifying information may be obtained from the object itself, from the image of the object, from a database, or from any other appropriate source. For example, the identifying information may be, or include, any combination of unique or semi-unique identifiers, such as a Bluetooth address, a media access control (MAC) address, an Internet Protocol (IP) address, a serial number, a quick response (QR) code or other type of bar code, a subnet address, a subscriber identification module (SIM), or the like. Tags, such as RFIDs, may be used for identification. For objects that do not move, the identifying information may be, or include, global positioning system (GPS) or other coordinates that defines the location of the object. For objects that do not include intelligence or other specific identifiers (like bar codes or readable serial numbers), unique features of the object in the image may be used to identify the object instance. For example, a database may store information identifying markings, wear, damage, or other distinctive features of an object instance, together with a unique identifier for the object. The AR system may compare information from the captured image to the stored information or a stored image. Comparison may be performed on a mobile device or on a remote computer. The result of the comparison may identify the object. After the object is identified, the DT for that object may be located (e.g., in memory, a location on a network, or elsewhere) using the obtained object identifier. The DT corresponding to that identifier may be retrieved (202) for use by process 200.

Process 200 determines (203) a location of the camera relative to the object during image capture. The location of the camera relative to the object can be specified, for example, by the distance between the camera and the object as well as the relative orientations of the camera and object. Other determinants of the relative location of the camera and the object, however, can be used. For example, the relative locations can be determined using known computer vision techniques for object recognition and tracking.

The location may be updated periodically or intermittently when relative motion between the object and the camera is detected. Location may be determined based on one or more attributes of the object in the image and based on information in the DT for the object. For example, a size of the object in the image—e.g., a length and/or width taken relative to appropriate reference points—may be determined. For example, in the image, the object may be five centimeters tall. Information in the DT specifies the actual size of the object in the real-world with one or more of the same dimensions as in the image. For example, in the real-world, the object may be three meters tall. In an example implementation, knowing the size of the object in the image and the size of the object in the real world, it is possible to determine the distance between the camera and the object when the image was captured. This distance is one aspect of the location of the camera.

In some implementations, the distance between the between the camera and the object is determined relative to a predefined reference point on the camera, rather than relative to a lens used to capture the image. For example, taking the case of some smartphones, the camera used to capture images is typically in an upper corner of the smartphone. Obtaining the distance relative to a predefined reference, such as a center point, on the smartphone may provide for greater accuracy in determining the location. Accordingly, when determining the distance, the offset between the predefined reference and the camera on the smartphone may be taken into account, and the distance may be corrected based on this offset.

The location of the camera relative to the object is also based on the orientation of the object relative to the camera during image capture. In an example implementation, to identify the orientation, process 200 identifies one or more features of the object, such as wheel 106 in the loader of FIG. 1. In some implementations, such features may be identified based on the content of the image. In an example, a change in pixel color may be indicative of a feature of an object. In another example, the change in pixel color may be averaged or otherwise processed over a distance before a feature of the object is confirmed. In another example, sets of pixels of the image may be compared to known images in order to identify features. Any appropriate feature identification process may be used.

The orientation of the object in the image relative to the camera may be determined based on the features of the object identified in the image. For example, the features may be compared to features represented by 3D graphics data in the DT. To make the comparison, one or more 3D features from the DT may be projected into two-dimensional (2D) space, and their resulting 2D projections may be compared to one or more features of the object identified in the image. Features of the object from the image and the 3D graphical model (from the DT) that match are aligned. That is, the 3D graphical model is oriented in 3D coordinate space so that its features align to identified features of the image. In a state of alignment with the object in the image, the 3D graphical model may be at specified angle(s) relative to axes in the 3D coordinate space. These angles(s) define the orientation of the 3D graphical model and, thus, also define the orientation of the object in the image relative to the camera that captured the image. Other appropriate methods of identifying the orientation of the object in the image may also be used, or may be used on conjunction with those described herein.

Process 200 maps (204) the 3D graphical model defined by the DT to the object in the image based, at least in part, on the determined (203) location of the camera relative to the object. As explained above, the location may include the distance between the object in the image and the camera that captured the image, and an orientation of the object relative to the camera that captured the image. Other factors than these may also be used to specify the location. In some implementations, mapping may include associating data from the DT, such as 3D graphics data and text, with corresponding parts of the object in the image. In the example of loader 102 of FIG. 1, data from the DT relating to its arm (covered by graphics 103) may be associated with the arm; data from the DT relating to front-end 108 may be associated with front-end 108; and so forth. In this example, the associating process may include storing pointers or other constructs that relate data from the DT with corresponding pixels in the image of the object. This association may further identify where, in the image, data from the DT is to be rendered when generating AR content. In the example of the loader of FIG. 1, data from the DT—such as 3D graphics or text—is mapped to the image. FIG. 4 shows, conceptually, 3D graphics 110 for the loader beside an actual image 112 of the loader. In the AR system described herein, the DT comprising the 3D graphics data may be stored in association with the image of the loader, as described above, and that association may be used in obtaining information about the loader from the image.

Furthermore, because data in the DT relates features of the object in 3D, using the DT and the image of the object, it is also possible to position 3D graphics for objects that are not visible in the image at appropriate locations. More specifically, in the example of FIG. 4 above, because image 112 is 2D, only a projection of the object into 2D space is visible. Using the techniques described herein, data—e.g., 3D graphics data—from the DT is associated with the image of the object in 2D. However, the DT specifies the entire structure of the object using 3D graphics data. Accordingly, by knowing where some of the 3D graphics data fits relative to the object (i.e., where the 3D data fits relative to parts of the object that are visible in the image), it is possible to appropriately position the remaining 3D graphics for the object, including for parts of the object that are not visible or shown in the image. Implementations employing these features are described below.

The location of the camera relative to the object may change in real-time as the relative positions between the object and the camera change. For example, the camera may be controlled to capture video of the object moving; the camera may be moved and capture video while the object remains stationary; or both the camera and the object may move while the camera captures video. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, for example, the loader may move from the position shown in FIG. 1 to the positon shown in FIG. 3. During the resulting relative movement, the AR system may be configured so that the DT—e g., 3D graphics data and information defined by the DT—tracks that relative movement. That is, the DT may be moved so that appropriate content from the DT tracks corresponding features of the moving object. In some implementations, the DT may be moved continuously with the object by adjusting the associations between data representing the object in an image frame and data representing the same parts of the object in the DT. For example, if a part of the object moves to coordinate XY in an image frame of video, the AR system may adjust the association between the DT and the image to reflect that data representing the moved part in the DT is also associated with coordinate XY. In some implementations, movement of the object can predict its future location in a series of images—e.g., in frame-by-frame video—and the associations between DT data and image data may be adjusted to maintain correspondence between parts of the object in the image and their counterparts in the DT. Take arm 113 of FIG. 3 as an example. In this example, movement of the camera may result in relative motion of arm 113 in the image frame. Movement in one direction may be a factor in determining future movement of the object in that same direction. The system may therefore predict how to adjust the associations based on the prior movement.

The mapping of the DT to the object associates attributes in the DT with the object. This applies not only to the object as a whole, but rather to any parts of the object for which the DT contains information. Included within the information about the object is information about whether individual parts of the object are selectable individually or as a group. In some implementations, to be selectable, a part may be separately defined within the DT and information, including 3D graphics, for the part, may be separately retrievable in response to an input, such as user or programmatic selection. In some implementations, selectability may be based on or more or more additional or other criteria.

In some implementations, a user interface may be generated to configure information in the DT to indicate which of the parts are selectable and which of the parts are selectable individually or as a group. In this regard, in some implementations, a DT may be generated at the time that the PT (object) is created. For example, the AR system may obtain, via a user interface, information indicating that an object having a given configuration and a given serial number has been manufactured. In response to appropriate instructions, the AR system may create, or tag, a DT for the object based on information such as that described herein. Operational information about the instance of the object may not be available prior its use; however, that information can be incorporated into the DT as the information is obtained. For example, sensors on the (actual, real-world) object may be a source of operational information that can be relayed to the DT as that information is obtained. A user may also specify in the DT, through the user interface, which parts of the object are selectable, either individually or as a group. This specification may be implemented by storing appropriate data, such as a tag or other identifier(s), in association with data representing the part.

Referring back to FIG. 2, process 200 receives (205) data representing a selection of a part of the object. For example, the data may represent a selection of a point on the image that represents the part of the object. The selection may include a user-initiated selection, a programmatic selection, or any other type of selection. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a user may select a point in the image that corresponds to the loader 102 by touching the image at an appropriate point. Data for the resulting selection is sent to the AR system, where that data is identified as representing a selection of a particular object or part on the loader represented in the image. The selection may trigger display of information.

In some implementations, instead of or in addition to the user selecting a point of the image by touching a screen or selecting with a pointer, the user interface showing the object can be augmented with a set of visual crosshairs or a target that can remain stationary, such as in the center, relative to the user interface (not illustrated). The user can select a part of the object by manipulating the camera's field of view such that the target points to any point of interest on the object. The process 200 can be configured to continually and/or repeatedly analyze the point in the image under the target to identify any part or parts of the object that correspond to the point under the target. In some implementations, the target can be configured to be movable within the user interface by the user, and/or the process can be configured to analyze a point under the target for detection of a part of the object upon active user input, such as a keyboard or mouse click.

In this example, in some implementations, the point selected is identified by the system, and information in the DT relating to an object or part at that point is identified. The user may be prompted, and specify, whether the part, a group of parts, or the entire object is being selected. The information is retrieved from the DT and is output (206) for rendering on a graphical user interface as part of AR content that may contain all or part of the original image. In an example, 3D graphics data for the selected object or part may be retrieved and rendered over all or part of the object or part. In an example, text data relating to the selected object or part may be retrieved and rendered proximate to the object or part. For example, the text may specify values of one or more operational parameters (e.g., temperature) or attributes (e.g., capabilities) of the part. In an example, both 3D graphics data and text data relating to the selected object or part may be retrieved and rendered with the object or part. In some implementations, the resulting AR content may be used to control the object in the image. For example, the DT may be associated with the actual real-world object, e.g., through one or more computer networks. A user may interact with the displayed AR content to send data through the network to control or interrogate the object, among other things. Examples of user interaction with displayed AR content that may be employed herein are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016/0328883 entitled “Augmented Reality System”, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Any appropriate method may be used by the AR system to identify the object or part selected. In some implementations, ray tracing may be used to select the object or part. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, example ray 302 (shown as a dashed line) radiates from within the field of view 301 of a camera 303 and intersects a 2D image 306 of a loader at point 308. FIG. 5B shows a close-up of view of point 308. As shown conceptually in FIG. 5, the intersection point—in this case point 308 in image 306—also relates to a corresponding point 309 on the DT 310 associated with object 313. That is, point 308 of image 306 relates, via ray 302, to point 309 on DT 310. Selection of point 308 in image 306 thus results in selection of point 309 on DT 310. That is, selection of point 308 on image 306 may cause ray 302 to be projected from that point to, and through, the 3D graphical model defined by the DT 310. Parts of the object defined by the 3D graphical model are identified based on their intersection with ray 302. Notably, the ray is a mathematic and programmatic construct. The ray not a physical manifestation.

As noted, a ray may intersect, and travel through, a 3D graphical model defined by the DT. That is, because the image and DT are associated as described herein, the ray can be programmatically projected to, and through, appropriate locations on the 3D graphical model contained in the DT. Accordingly, any part or component that intersects the ray may be selectable, and data therefor retrievable to generate AR content. For example, ray 302 travels through DT 310. By passing through DT 310, ray 302 intersects the exterior of the object 313 and also one or more selectable parts that are interior to object 313. For example, referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, ray 302 may intersect part 320 that is interior to the 3D graphical model of DT 310. This interior part may be selected, and rendered at an appropriate location as computer-generated graphics 320 on image 306, as shown in FIG. 6B. In some implementations computer-generated graphics 320 may be partially transparent or in outline form. That may be the case for any of the computer graphics generated herein for display as AR content on an image.

In some implementations, upon selection of a point on image 306, the user may be prompted with a list of all parts—both interior and exterior to object 313—that the ray intersects. For example, the prompt may be a pop-up box or any other appropriate type of computer graphic. The user may then select one or more of the parts. The selection may include the type of data to display for each part (e.g., 3D graphics, text, etc.) or that information may be determined as described herein based on the type of the selection. Corresponding identifiers for the selected parts are retrieved, and information for those selected parts is identified in the DT based on the identifiers. The system retrieves appropriate data for the selected part and outputs that data for rendering as AR content at appropriate positions on the original image. In some implementations, internal parts may be rendered in outline form or in different colors, with each different color reflecting a depth of the part within the object along a ray.

In some implementations, methods other than ray tracing may be used to identify parts that are selected. For example in some implementations different parts of an image may be rendered using different colored pixels. Selection of a part may be identified based on the pixel that is selected. Implementations such as this may employ a dual-buffer scheme comprised of a front buffer and a back buffer. A current image is viewed from the front buffer while a subsequent image is being drawn to the back buffer. At an appropriate time, the back buffer becomes the front buffer, and vice versa, so that the subsequent image can be viewed. In an example operation, an image is generated based on data written to the front buffer. Parts of that image are drawn in different colors into the back buffer. The parts may be distinguished, and identified, based on characteristics of the image, e.g., pixel transitions and the like. A user selects a part of the object in the image, and the colored part from the back buffer is identified corresponding to (e.g., at a same location as) the selection. The DT for the object is identified beforehand, as described herein. The selected color part is then compared to parts in the 3D graphical model for the object in order to identify the color part. Information from the DT may then be used to render graphical and/or textual content in association with the selected part. For example, a graphical overlay may be presented over the selected part or text from the DT may be displayed next to the part.

As explained above, the DT contains information indicating whether a part is selectable individually or as a group. In the example of FIG. 5, selection of a part 309 is interpreted by the AR system based on whether DT 310 indicates that part 309 is selectable, and based on whether part 309 is selectable individually or as a group. If the part is selectable, and selectable individually, then corresponding information from the DT is retrieved and output for rendering as AR content with the image. In some implementations, 3D computer graphics data may be output and rendered over the image so that the 3D graphics data overlays a corresponding part of the image. An example of this is the 3D graphics version of the loader arm overlaid on the images of FIGS. 1 and 3. In some implementations, text data may be output and rendered on the image so that the text is displayed over or alongside the image. In an example, the text can be rendered on the image alongside the part of interest, e.g. the loader arm. If the part is selectable, and selectable as a group, then information about the group is retrieved and output for rendering as AR content with the image. The information may be any appropriate type of information, such as 3D graphics, text, and so forth. As described herein, in some implementations, the user may be prompted to indicate whether a part, multiple parts, or an entire object is selected, in which case appropriate AR content is retrieved and displayed. In some implementations, the system may be configured to recognize certain actions as selecting a part, multiple parts, or an entire object.

In some implementations, different types of selections may trigger displays of different types of data. For example, the type of data displayed may be triggered based on the duration of a selection. For example, a first-duration selection (e.g., one that lasts for a first period of time) may trigger display of 3D graphics, a second-duration selection (e.g., one that lasts for a second period of time) may trigger display of text, and a third-duration selection (e.g., one that lasts for a third period of time) may trigger display of both 3D graphics and text. In some implementations, the type of selection may not be based on temporal considerations, but rather may be based on other factors. For example, if the selection is a swipe-type-touch, one type of data (e.g., 3D graphics) may be displayed, whereas if the selection is a tap-type-touch, a second type of data (e.g., text) may be displayed. The system may be configured to associate any appropriate type of selection with display of one or more appropriate types of data to generate AR content.

In the examples presented above, the AR system obtains the DT for an object and uses the DT to generate graphics or text to superimpose onto an image of an object. However, any appropriate content including, but not limited to, animation; video; and non-computer-generated images, video or text, may be obtained from a DT or elsewhere and superimposed onto an image to generate AR content. In some implementations, the AR content may include audio, computer-generated or real-life audio, that is displayed in conjunction with an image and/or graphics.

Referring back to operation 205, in some implementations, the data received (205) may represent a selection from a menu. For example, in some implementations, a menu may be displayed overlaid on the image or separate from the image. For example, the menu may be a drop-down menu or a pop-up menu that is triggered for display by selecting an appropriate area of the image. In any case, the menu may list, textually, parts contained in the object, including both those that are visible in the image and those that are not visible in the image (e.g., internal parts). For example, the object instance may be identified beforehand in the manner described herein, and a list of its selectable parts from the DT displayed on the menu. A user may select one of more of the listed parts. Data representing that selection is obtained by process 200, which uses that data to obtain information about the selected part from the object's DT. As described herein, the information may be used to generate AR content from the image and the information about the part. For example, as described, graphics—which may be, e.g., transparent, opaque, outline, or a combination thereof—may be retrieved from the DT for the object instance and displayed over the part selected. As described herein, other information, such as text, may also be displayed.

Referring back to operation 205, in some implementations, the data received (205) may represent a selection of computer-generated graphics that are displayed overlaid on the image. For example, in some implementations, the object instance displayed in the image may be identified beforehand in the manner described herein. Computer graphics from the DT for selectable parts of the object may be overlaid onto the image, as appropriate, or may be displayed separately. The computer graphics can be displayed in a partially transparent fashion such that both the overlaid computer graphics and the underlying image are visible to the user simultaneously. A user may select (205) one of more of the displayed parts by selecting (e.g., touching-on) the computer graphics displayed for that part. In some implementations, the computer graphics represents both internal and external parts of the object. As such, the computer graphics may be displayed using navigable layers, that may be reached, for selection, through interaction with one or more appropriate controls. For example, one or more layers containing internal object parts may be selected, and individual parts may be selected from that layer. Other methods may also be used for selecting internal parts. In any event, data representing the part selected is obtained by process 200, which uses that data to obtain information about the part from the object's DT. As described herein, the information may be used to generate AR content from the image and the information about the part. In this example, computer graphics (which may be, e.g., transparent, opaque, outline, or a combination thereof) for the selected part or parts may be retained, and remain overlaid on the image. The remaining computer graphics may be eliminated. As described herein, other information, such as text, may also be displayed based on the selection.

Referring back to operation 205, in some implementations, the data received (205) may represent a selection of computer-generated graphics that are displayed in a menu associated with the image. For example, in some implementations, a menu may be displayed overlaid on the image or separate from the image. As above, the menu may be a drop-down menu or a pop-up menu that is triggered for display by selecting an appropriate area of the image. In any case, the menu may show, graphically, parts contained in the object, including both those that are visible in the image and those that are not visible in the image (e.g., internal parts). For example, the object instance may be identified beforehand in the manner described herein, and computer graphics that represent its selectable parts displayed on the menu. A user may select one of more of the displayed parts. Data representing that selection is obtained by process 200, which uses that data to obtain information about the selected part from the object's DT. As described herein, the information may be used to generate AR content from the image and the information about the part. For example, as described, computer graphics (which may be, e.g., transparent, opaque, outline, or a combination thereof) may be retrieved from the DT for the object instance and displayed over the part selected. As described herein, other information, such as text, may also be displayed.

FIG. 7 shows an example computer/network architecture 400 on which the example AR system and the example processes described herein, may be implemented. The AR system and processes, however, are not limited to use with the FIG. 7 architecture, and may be implemented on any appropriate computer architecture and/or network architecture.

In FIG. 7, example AR system 400 includes a front-end 401 and a back-end 402. Front-end 401 may include one or more mobile computing devices (or simply, mobile devices). A mobile device may include any appropriate device capable of displaying digital imagery including, but not limited to, digital (AR) glasses, a smartphone, a digital camera, a tablet computing device, and so forth. A mobile device 404 may include one or more processing devices 405 (e.g., microprocessors) and memory 406 storing instructions 407 that are executable by the one or more processing devices. The instructions are part of one or more computer programs that are used to implement at least part of the AR system. For example, the instructions may be part of an application (or “app”) that performs operations including, for example, displaying AR content to a user. Mobile device 404 also includes one or more sensing mechanisms, such as a camera for capturing actual graphics, such as images and video. Mobile device 404 may also be connected to, and accessible over, a wireless network, such as a long term evolution (LTE) network or a Wi-Fi network. The subject 410 of AR content may be any appropriate object, e.g., device, system, or entity, examples of which are described herein.

Back-end 402 may include one or more computing systems 412 a, 412 b examples of which include servers, desktop computers, and mobile devices. A back-end computing system may include one or more processing devices 415 (e.g., microprocessors) and memory 416 storing instructions 417 that are executable by the one or more processing devices. The instructions are part of one or more computer programs that may be used to implement at least part of the AR system. For example, the instructions may be part of a computer program to generate DTs, to analyze DT content, to communicate with other systems 420 and databases 421 containing device information, and so forth. A back-end computing system may also be connected to, and accessible over, a wired or wireless network. In some implementations, the AR system described herein may not include the back-end 402, but rather may be implemented solely on the front-end.

Front-end 401 and back-end 402 may communicate with each other, and with other systems, such as those described herein, over one or more computer networks, which may include wireless and/or wired networks.

In some implementations, a front-end device may include a local computing system (e.g., 404) to render AR content and a back-end device may include a remote computing system (e.g., 412). The capabilities of these different devices may dictate where and/or how a DT, and thus AR content, is generated. For example, the DT and AR content may be generated locally; the DT and AR content may be generated remotely and only displayed locally; or the DT and AR content may be generated using a combination of local and remote processing resources. In some implementations, the local computing system may have no onboard sensing capability and be capable only of external monitoring; in some implementations, the local computing system may include basic onboard sensing and no processing capability; in some implementations, the local computing system may include onboard sensing and basic processing capability; and in some implementations, the local computing system may include onboard sensing and processing capability equivalent at least to that of a desktop computer. In some implementations, there may be no remote computing device, but rather only mobile-to-mobile device connection; in some implementations, the remote computing system may be capable of only signal exchange, but not processing; in some implementations, the remote computing system may be capable of device and data management, basic processing, and routing to integrated peripheral systems; and in some implementations, the remote computing system may be capable of advanced servicing and data processing.

FIG. 8 shows an example process 500 for producing AR content from image data and 3D graphics data in the DT. Process 500 may be performed, e.g., on the architecture of FIG. 7. According to process 500, a declarative model is generated (501) for an object. The declarative model may be generated in computer code, and may include information to describe structures and functions of the object. The information may include semantic data that is stored in association with actual design data. In some examples, the declarative model of the object may be annotated to identify, among other things, features and attributes of the object. The annotations may include attributes of those features, such as size, shape, color, etc. Any appropriate techniques may be used to annotate the model. For example, metadata may be associated with specific features in the model. In some implementations, a look-up table (LUT) or other appropriate construct may be used to associate coordinates of the model with corresponding annotations.

The computer code defining the declarative model is compiled (502) to produce a compiled model. The compiled model is comprised of intermediate object code that can be read by an AR player. The declarative model, and thus the compiled model, defines the DT, or at least a part of the DT, for the object. In this example, the AR player may be executable on a front-end device of the AR system, and comprises computer code that is executable to generate AR content based on the compiled model and on an image (or other graphic) of the object.

To generate AR content for an object, the AR system links (504) information from the compiled model to corresponding information in an image (e.g., the image of the object), and generates (505) AR content based on the linked information. The AR system outputs (506) data representing the AR content for rendering on a display screen of a computing object, such as a tablet computing object. By way of example, the AR player may identify objects and their attributes that were selected as described herein. The compiled model may be read to locate the selected objects in the compiled model. Any appropriate number of attributes may be used to correlate features from the image to features in the compiled model. The AR system links the information from the compiled to the object shown in the image. For example, the compiled model may contain information describing the make, model, tread, and so forth of a tire. The compiled model may also contain sensor readings, or other information. That information is linked to the tire in the image. That information may be used to generate AR content, as described herein.

The AR player may generate AR content by rendering computer graphics generated from data in the DT over appropriate locations of the image. For example, the AR player may identify an element of a graphic in the manner described above, obtain information about that graphic from annotations and/or other information available in the compiled model, and generate the graphic based on information from the compiled model and/or sensor readings.

In some implementations, the computer graphics that form part of the AR content may overlay the same element shown in an image to enhance or explain an aspect of the element. In some implementations, the computer graphics do not overlay the element, but rather are adjacent to, or reference, the element. As noted, the AR content may be generated for an image or video, e.g., on a frame-by-frame basis. Thus, the AR content may be static (unchanging) or dynamic (changeable over time). In the case of video, features in frames of video may be identified using appropriate object identification and object tracking techniques. The computer graphics portion of the AR content may track movement frame-by-frame of the actual object during playback of the video. The video may be real-time video, although that is not a requirement. In the case of real-time video, the DT may be generated or updated in real-time, and the resulting computer graphics superimposed on frames in real-time. Updating the DT may include changing the declarative model and the compiled model, and/or other data used to define the DT, as appropriate.

Computing systems that may be used to implement all or part of the front-end and/or back-end of the AR system may include various forms of digital computers. Examples of digital computers include, but are not limited to, laptops, desktops, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframes, smart televisions and other appropriate computers. Mobile devices may be used to implement all or part of the front-end and/or back-end of the AR system. Mobile devices include, but are not limited to, tablet computing devices, personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, smartphones, digital cameras, digital glasses and other portable computing devices. The computing devices described herein, their connections and relationships, and their functions, are meant to be examples only, and are not meant to limit implementations of the technology.

All or part of the processes described herein and their various modifications (hereinafter referred to as “the processes”) can be implemented, at least in part, via a computer program product, e.g., a computer program tangibly embodied in one or more information carriers, e.g., in one or more tangible machine-readable storage media, for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus, e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers

A computer program can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, part, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a network.

Actions associated with implementing the processes can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform the functions of the calibration process. All or part of the processes can be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) and/or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only storage area or a random access storage area or both. Elements of a computer (including a server) include one or more processors for executing instructions and one or more storage area devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from, or transfer data to, or both, one or more machine-readable storage media, such as mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Non-transitory machine-readable storage media suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile storage area, including by way of example, semiconductor storage area devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash storage area devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

Each computing device, such as a tablet computer, may include a hard drive for storing data and computer programs, and a processing device (e.g., a microprocessor) and memory (e.g., RAM) for executing computer programs. Each computing device may include an image capture device, such as a still camera or video camera. The image capture device may be built-in or simply accessible to the computing device.

Each computing device may include a graphics system, including a display screen. A display screen, such as an LCD or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) displays, to a user, images that are generated by the graphics system of the computing device. As is well known, display on a computer display (e.g., a monitor) physically transforms the computer display. For example, if the computer display is LCD-based, the orientation of liquid crystals can be changed by the application of biasing voltages in a physical transformation that is visually apparent to the user. As another example, if the computer display is a CRT, the state of a fluorescent screen can be changed by the impact of electrons in a physical transformation that is also visually apparent. Each display screen may be touch-sensitive, allowing a user to enter information onto the display screen via a virtual keyboard. On some computing devices, such as a desktop or smartphone, a physical QWERTY keyboard and scroll wheel may be provided for entering information onto the display screen. Each computing device, and computer programs executed thereon, may also be configured to accept voice commands, and to perform functions in response to such commands. For example, the example processes described herein may be initiated at a client, to the extent possible, via voice commands.

Elements of different implementations described herein may be combined to form other implementations not specifically set forth above. Elements may be left out of the processes, computer programs, user interfaces, etc. described herein without adversely affecting their operation or the operation of the system in general. Furthermore, various separate elements may be combined into one or more individual elements to perform the functions described herein.

Other implementations not specifically described herein are also within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method performed by a computing system comprising: mapping a three-dimensional (3D) graphical model of an object to an image of the object, the 3D graphical model comprising information about the object; receiving a selection of the object in the image; identifying a part of the object based on the selection; and generating, based on the information and the selection, content relating to the part of the object for output on a display screen, where the content comprises a first type of augmented reality (AR) content in a case that the selection comprises a first type of action and the content comprises a second type of AR content in a case that the selection comprises a second type of action.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the content comprises a third type of AR content in a case that the selection comprises a third type of action.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first type of action comprises a swipe-type-touch.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first type of action comprises a tap-type-touch.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first type of action comprises a selection that lasts for a first duration and the second type of action comprises a selection that lasts for a second duration, the first duration and the second duration comprising different periods of time.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first type of AR content comprises three-dimensional graphics and the second type of AR content comprises text.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating navigable layers corresponding to the 3D model of the object, at least one of the navigable layers representing internal portions of the object, the part being in an internal portion of the object; wherein the selection is received in the at least one navigable layer.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying the part comprises comparing pixels at an area selected to data in the 3D model.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying the part comprises comparing one or more parts internal to the object that correspond to an area selected on the object to data in the 3D model.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the AR content comprises computer graphics, the computer graphics overlaying at least part of the object.
 11. A method performed by a computing system comprising: obtaining an image of an object captured by a device; mapping a three-dimensional (3D) graphical model representing the object to the object in the image; displaying computer graphics for the object based on the 3D graphical model, the computer graphics comprising layers of the object containing information about internal and external parts of the object; navigating through the layers to reach a target layer, the target layer containing a part of the object; receiving a selection of the part of the object; and generating, based on the selection and at least some of the information from the 3D graphical model, content relating to the part of the object selected, the content comprising augmented reality (AR) content for display over at least part of the image.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the selection of the part of the object is implemented using a computer-generated crosshair.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the selection of the part of the object is implemented by touching a screen displaying the part of the object.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein mapping is performed based on a location of the device and the method further comprises determining the location of the device, where determining the location of the device comprises: obtaining a first size of the object in the image; obtaining a second size of the object from the 3D graphical model; and comparing the first size to the second size to determine a distance between the device and the object, the distance being part of the location.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the location comprises: identifying a feature of the object shown in the image; and determining an orientation of the object relative to the device based on the feature and based on the information about the object in the 3D graphical model, the orientation being part of the location.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein mapping the 3D graphical model to the object in the image comprises associating parts of the 3D graphical model to corresponding parts of the object shown in the image, with a remainder of the 3D graphical model representing parts of the object not shown in the image being positioned relative to the parts of the 3D graphical model overlaid on the parts of the object shown in the image.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein selection of the part of the object is implemented using a multiple-buffer scheme.
 18. A method performed by a computing system comprising: receiving a first selection of an object in an image; identifying candidate parts of the object that is based on the first selection, the candidate parts comprising a first part that is visible in the image and a second part that is not visible in the image and that is behind the first part; outputting a menu that displays the first part graphically and the second part graphically; receiving a second selection from the menu of either the first part or the second part; retrieving at least some of the information from the 3D graphical model based on the second selection; and generating augmented reality (AR) content based on the at least some information retrieved.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein identifying the candidate parts comprises: tracing a ray through a three dimensional (3D) graphical model of the object based on a mapping of the 3D graphical model to the image; and identifying an intersection between the ray and each of the candidate parts.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the 3D graphical model stores data for each of the candidate parts indicating that 3D graphics for the candidate part is retrievable from the 3D graphical model separately from 3D graphics for other parts of the object. 